Opposition movement announces December 4 protest against Ras Malé land deal

The opposition-backed 'Maldivian Land for Maldivians' movement has announced plans to hold another protest gathering in Malé on December 4 against the proposed allocation of Ras Malé land to foreign developers.

The announcement was made at a press conference held on Saturday by the movement, which brings together several opposition political parties.

Organisers said people from islands across the Maldives were expected to travel to Malé to participate in the gathering.

Former Home Minister and former Adhaalath Party President Imran Abdulla, who is among the movement's leading figures, said the decision followed the turnout at a protest held at Artificial Beach on Friday night.

Imran said the gathering had attracted public participation despite heavy rain, a power outage and other difficulties.

He alleged that the government had created obstacles to disrupt the demonstration, but said the turnout showed public opposition to the proposed Ras Malé agreement.

"We consider the outcome of Friday night's test to have been very positive. It showed that the people of this country do not want President Mohamed Muizzu to sell this country to Zionists," Imran said.

He announced that the movement would organise a larger gathering on December 4, with participants travelling from other islands.

"We have decided, God willing, to hold another major gathering on December 4, bringing people from the islands across the country to Malé," he said.

Before the December 4 gathering, the movement also plans to organise another demonstration in Hulhumalé Phase II.

Organisers said the gathering, named 'Red Line', would take place next Friday night.

The announcement follows Friday's protest at Artificial Beach, where opposition politicians and members of the public gathered to express their opposition to the proposed Ras Malé land arrangement.

The movement has been campaigning against the government's plans to allocate part of Ras Malé to foreign developers, arguing that the arrangement could undermine Maldivian ownership and control of the reclaimed land.

At Saturday's press conference, the movement also called on members of Parliament to oppose the government's plans concerning Ras Malé.

Organisers urged MPs to take a public stand against the proposed land arrangement and reject legislative changes they believe could undermine the country's interests.

The movement specifically called on lawmakers not to support amendments that it alleged could create opportunities for other religions to be practised in the Maldives or otherwise conflict with national interests.

The planned demonstrations form part of the movement's continuing campaign against the proposed Ras Malé development agreement.